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The most commonly accepted excuses include mitigating circumstances, such as going to find change, the fine being a first offence or the driver having a clear record, having an exemption such as a disabled parking permit, a breakdown, lost keys or stolen vehicle, or a medical or other emergency.

"It is quite a high likelihood that if you apply for leniency and you've got a valid excuse ... and you provide enough supporting information that you will get off," NSW Office of State Revenue Deputy Secretary Steve Brady said.

Council areas with the best chance of getting off include Burwood, Liverpool and Leichhardt.

The toughest council areas to fight a ticket include Hornsby, Ku-ring-gai and Ryde. You will also have less chance if the fine was issued by a police officer.

Bill McMahon was let off as he had put his details in incorrectly. (9NEWS) ()

Manly local Bill McMahon took on the council after he fell foul of a new beach parking system.

"I had about a thousand dollars of parking fines built up," he said.

Mr McMahon had been punching in his registration details incorrectly, but was given the benefit of the doubt and let off.